McKee Gymnasium, Mary McKee, And Demolition
On January 23, 1982, the Missourian published an interview with a 93 year old Mary McKee, who came to Missouri in 1923 to head the Women’s Department of Physical Education at the University of Missouri. McKee was interviewed at Candlelight Lodge, a retirement community in Columbia, where she had been living for three years. Former Dean of Students Jack Matthews was quoted saying “she is a national figure in the field of education.” He had first hand experience, he had been her student in 1923. McKee was a major influence in the development of physical education at the university. She had arrived with enthusiasm and a desire to improve things, for women and men. She increased enrollment and added curriculum. In 1923 there were 18 classes offered in physical education, in 1982 there were 180. At her suggestion the Women’s Department added intramural sports and dance courses. Although she enjoyed all sports, she was especially known as a badminton player. She set up faculty nights at the gym where professors would compete against each other in a variety of sports. At badminton “she used to beat the men players…and that would make the men so mad!” said Ruby Cline, professor emeritus. McKee taught for 36 years and McKee Gymnasium was named after her in honor in 1974.
McKee Gymnasium was built in 1922 as the women’s gymnasium and was designed by prolific St. Louis architects Jamieson & Spearl. Known for their academic architecture, they are responsible for Ellis Library, Memorial Union, and almost all of White Campus. McKee was constructed in the Collegiate Gothic style and likely made out of local limestone. It originally contained a gym, pool, locker rooms, and offices. It was placed on Hitt Street next to Read Hall, the first women’s dormitory on campus. Read Hall was demolished in 2022, McKee Gymnasium is on the list for demolition; no apparent effort to fundraise to remodel either building has been made.
McKee Gymnasium from Hitt Street
Concerned by the loss of rare Collegiate Gothic style architecture on White Campus, our group, CoMo Preservation, hopes to help homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic buildings is necessary for Columbia’s residents, students, and visitors to achieve a sense of place and, it follows, for our city’s continued economic success. If you want to join us in our mission sign up for our mailing list to receive news and updates.
Sources
Owens, Margaret S. (January 23, 1982). Mary McKee: She Brought Zeal, Change to University. Columbia, Missouri: Columbia Missourian. Archived by Missouri Digital Heritage. Accessed January 23, 2023.
Busher, Brandon (March 20, 2016). McKee Gymnasium will be replaced with a STEM-focused new building. Columbia, Missouri: The Maneater. Accessed January 23, 2023.
Noland, Owen (June 23, 2022). Plans to demolish Crowder Hall spark concern among MU ROTC alumni. Columbia, Missouri: Columbia Missourian. Accessed January 23, 2023.
University of Missouri Archives. MU in Brick and Mortar: McKee Gymnasium. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri. Accessed January 23, 2023.
Wikipedia contributors. (November 2, 2022). Collegiate Gothic. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:35, January 23, 2023.
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